Getting to the Root of Wellness
Even though I’m a health coach, I’m still working on wellness in my own life. That’s because I believe wellness is not a destination—it’s a journey we need to enjoy! Life is full of ups and downs and wellness is the toolkit we bring with us along the way.
Despite learning about healthy eating and Ayurveda from a young age, I didn’t really understand “wellness” until a few years ago. I’ve had my fair share of indulgences in not-so-healthy foods but I also found myself in not-so-healthy relationships. Even as I pursued a career developing vegan, organic beauty products, I overworked myself. I was
exhausted and stressed out.
I came to understand that health is more than just what you eat.
Becoming a mom (three times!) helped me see this. I was pregnant twice in my 20s and then again when I was 40 and I felt healthier than ever. I was more aware, mature, and in tune with my body’s wisdom. I ate well, meditatedregularly, and surrounded myself with an uplifting and supportive community.
As my sense of well-being grew, I discovered a passion for sharing my wellness toolkit with others. I went back to school to learn more about nutrition and holistic health at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN). I learned how to help my clients make positive changes at a foundational level—and that’s what led me to create Root Journey.
When I’m drawing from my wellness toolkit, I have the energy and resilience I need to help others.
I’m passionate about human and animal rights, education, and environmental conservation. Back in my native Brazil, I began a project called Construindo Talentos (Building Talents) which teaches art, gardening, and vegan baking to children who live in foster care. Here in the US, I have enjoyed working with Girls Inc and The Gentle Barn, and look forward to continuing my work with Beardsley Farm here in Knoxville.
To me, wellness includes what I put in and on my body, the ways I move, and the stress management tools I use to meet life’s ups and downs. Wellness is NOT looking like a model, having a “perfect” diet, or achieving enlightenment.
Although I am heavily meditated, I’m no guru. I’m just a woman—a wife, a mother, a friend—who can offer you support throughout your journey.
As a health coach, I can help you clarify your goals, identify obstacles holding you back, and motivate and empower you to feel good about your journey forward.
Maybe you want to explore a vegan diet but you still have to cook for a family of meat-eaters—I can help you create a meal plan that ensures everyone gets the nourishment they desire. Or maybe you’ve noticed that post-lunch slump is affecting your productivity at work—I can help you identify powerhouse foods that will give you the long-lasting energy you need to succeed.
Just like a tiny seed can grow a large, vibrant plant, even small changes to your lifestyle or diet can produce big results.
I’ll offer you the tools to grow at a manageable pace so that you have time to integrate new habits at the root level. In this way, we can create sustainable change. I’d love to help you find your roots so you can rise!
Always growing,
Wanda